Concealable support for machines



March 17, 1959 v. E. MARK 2,878,087

CONCEALABLE SUPPORT FOR MACHINES Filed March 11, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

30 VENNICE E. MARK ATTORINEYS 9 yaw March 1959 v. E. MARK 2,878,087

CONCEALABLE SUPPORT FOR MACHINES Filed March 11, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. VENNICE E; MARK ATTORNEYS v March 17, 1959 v. E. MARK 2,878,087

CONCEALABLE SUPPORT FOR MACHINES Filed March 11, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 F? i L flfia.

.1 a! 67 I 66 6O 20 234 5? FIG. 9

INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS vENNicE E. MARK March 17, 1959 v. E. MARK 2,878,087

CONCEALABLEV SUPPORT FOR MACHINES Filed March 11, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. VENNICE E. MARK ATTORNEYS This invention relates to furniture and more particularly to 'a combination support and concealed storage means for a typewriter or other equipment.

While this invention may be used in an'ofiice or other business establishment, it is specifically intended to provide a neat, convenient and compact typewriter support for home use. It provides a combination table to support 'the machine while in use and concealed storage for it when not in use. It has the additional advantage of providing both of these facilities without requiring the machine to be removed from. the unit.

This invention permits various types of furniture to be used as a combination stand and storage facility. For example, it may be incorporated in a desk, an end table, a night stand, a telephone stand or cabinets of any nature; The nature of the invention is such that the dualpurpose of the furniture is entirely camouflaged.

This invention has the further advantages of'simplicity and economy'in manufacture. Its ease of operation adapts, it to home use. I

This invention provides a firm support for the machine which will withstand the vibration incident to the use of oflice equipment. Yet it requires minimum effort on the operators part to raise and lower the equipment. Its

simplicity assures freedom from mechanical difiiculty and durability in operation.

This invention solves the problem of using such equipment as typewriters in the home. Heretofore, the only facilities adapted for home use were stands providing, at best, exposed storage. The only other available storage facilities were either cupboards or drawers. These require the machine to be moved from its place of storage to its place of use at the beginning and end of each use. This invention solves theseproblems. This invention provides a support for the machine which is locked to the body of the piece of furniture into which it is incorporated. Thus, the entire structure of the furniture operates as a single entity to stabilize the platform. This creates a sup- .port having markedly improved stability.

These and other advantages of this invention will be immediately recognized-by those skilled in the design and manufacture of furniture upon reading the following specification and the accompanying drawings.

.In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of this invention showing the front and one side, panel. in phantom and the work platform in storage position.

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of this invention showing the side panel in phantom and the work platform in raised position.

hold-downcatches for-the platform. I

United States PatentO I 2,878,087 I v Patented Mar. 17, 1959 Fig. 7 is an isometric view of a piece of furniture incorporating this invention. 1

Fig. 8 is a sectional elevation view showing the inside surface of the back panel of the housing.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a modified joint between main and front leaf portions of the platform. 7

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the hinge employed with the structure illustrated in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary sectional elevation view taken along the plane XI--XI of Fig. 11.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary elevation view of the from end of one of the stop bars.

Fig. 13 is an oblique view of a framework for mounting the platform in a storage chamber.

Fig. 14 is a partially broken, oblique view of the framework illustrated in Fig. 13 mounted in a storage chamber with the platform in raised, operating position.

Fig. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional elevation view taken along the plane XV-XV of Fig. 14.

In executing the objects and purposes of this invention there has been provided a housing having a central well or storage chamber. A work platform is seated in this storage chamber and is vertically movable from a storage position to a raised or work position. The rear of the platform consists of a rigid vertical leaf. The front of the platform has a leaf which may be pivoted from a horizontal to a vertical positon. In storage, the front leaf is folded normal to the main portion of the platform and the entire platform is telescoped into the storage chamber. In raised position, the platform is at the top of the housing and the front leaf is pivoted over and clamps the front panel of the housing. As a front leaf is piovted to open position, it automatically releases a pair of spring loaded rods which engage the back panel of the housing, locking the rear of the platform in raised position.

In the following description, the invention is described as one for a typewriter. This is only for convenience and is not to be considered as a limitation of the use of this invention to typewriters. It may be used with any type of machine of such compact structure that it may be concealed within the storage chamber. For example, it may be used for such equipment as a kitchen mixer or other small home appliances.

Referring specifically to the drawings, the numeral 1 indicates a housing having sides 2, a front 3 and a back 4. The lower end is closed by a bottom 5 forming a storage chamber 6 open only at the top. The size of the storage chamber corresponds closely to that of the central portion of the hereinafter described platform. Its depth is such that the platform, when folded, can be telescoped entirely into it.

The housing 1 may be a separate unit within itself or it may be an integral part of a larger piece of furniture such as a desk, end table, cabinet, corner table, night stand, or cupboard. This is illustrated by the night stand 8 (Fig. 7) in which the storage compartment is concealed behind the dummy drawer front 9 while the lower portion of the night stand behind the door 10 retains its traditional structure and function. Access to the storage compartment is obtained by raising the hinged top 11. The integration of this invention into various pieces of furniture does not change it but rather serves the purpose of blending it into its surroundings and of concealing its true purpose.

However, to facilitate and simplify the understanding and description of this invention, it is illustrated as a separate unit. It should, however, be considered that the housing described in the following specification and illustrated in the several figures may constitute an iu tegralpart'of a largerpieceof furniture.

Associated wit wth shousingLisa p t orm 2 sisting of a central portion 21, a backboard 22 and a front leaf 23. Secured to the bottom of and extending .along'the sides ofqthe central-portion -21.are apair of parallel legs 24. Extending betwecn the legs are a pair pf;-guide blocks '25 (Fig- 3) one adjacenteach of the front and back of'the platforms central portion 21.

'The backboard is rigidly secured to the rear of the central. portion 21 and extends upwardlyifrom it. Its height is such that when the platform is in its storage position the top ofthis boardis flush with or just below the top of the housing 1.

The front leaf 23 is-secured to the central portion 21 by hinges 30 (Fig. 4). The hinges 30are mounted along the side margins of the platform and each consists of a pair of bars 31 and 32. The bars 31 are mounted to the central portion 21 and the bars 32 to the front leaf 23. The bars are pivotally secured by the pin 33 adjacent the end of bar 31 and spaced from the end of bar 32. Thus, when bar 32 rotates about the pin 33 it has a free end 34 which swings oppositely to the front leaf 23. When the bars are aligned they are detachably locked together by the detent 35.

Slidably mounted through the guide blocks are a pair of rods 36 (Figs. 3 and 4). The rods 36 are paralleland each is located adjacent one of the legs 24. The rods 36 project beyond the rear of the platform to engage pockets 37 in the back 4 of the housing 1 (Fig. 8).

The front ends of the rods ,are hooked over to form actuator arms 38. The actuator arms 38 are somewhat flattened, although this is not essential to the operation ofthe invention. The actuator arms 38 seat in slots 39 (Fig. 4) in the end of the legs 24 and extend outwardly suificiently to make contact with the free ends 34 of the bars 32. ,Each of the rods 36 is biased toward the rear by a spring 40 seated at one end against the frontguideblocl; 25 and at the other end against a .washer 41. The washers 41 are rigidly secured to the rods 36.

Secured to the under surface of the front leaf 23 and the back surface of the backboard 22 are latches 50. These cooperate with keeper plates 51 (Fig. 6) on the front 3 and back 4 of the housingrespectively. These .act as hold-down means for the platform 29 when in storage. .A suitable pocket 52 is provided behind each keeper plate 51 to provide access for the latch 50.

To facilitate manipulation of the platform, handles or grips 53 (Figs. 1,.2-and 5) are provided on the top and front faces of the front leaf 23 and the backboard ,22 respectively. Preferably, these are of theflush type in which the handle folds into the mounting plate when not in use The platform 20 is biased upwardly by any suitable means such as the coil spring 55. The strength of the spring should be such that it will almost-lift the combined weights of the platforrn20 and of the average office instrument such as a typewriter. To prevent the ends of the springs 55 from moving laterally, they are preferably stabilized by a disc shaped block 58 at each end. The blocks 58 are secured to the adjacent struc ture. The spring seats closely about the block.

Stability of the platform, ash is being manipulated can be increased by using a plurality of the springs 55 such as one at each corner of the platform. In this ,case, each spring will be weaker and their combined strengths wiil approximate that of the single spring 55,

illustrated.

Since the spring 55 is designed to balance the weight of the platform when loaded, the spring will force the platform entirely out of the storage chamber when the platform is empty. To prevent this and also to provide .platforms topv surface. ,upwardly,,it requires less radius onthe platforms main o m r in .of:; th wars-1135 h l wn y the an slatsharrangements-s.is-empleyed stop shoes 76 extend and engage under the stop bars 75. To eliminate possible interference with the forward ends of the rods 36 the lower front edge of the stop bars is scalloped at 77 (Fig. 12). Also the stop shoes 76 are terminated rearwardly of the slots 39.

The platforms front leaf23 is spaced from its central portion 21 a distance equal -to the thickness of the frontal/all} of the-hou ing. The front wall 3 has an upstanding ridge S7 projecting above the top of the housing-1 a distance equalto-thethickness of'the platform 20. The length of this ridge 1 is such thatjt just fits between the hinges 30. Thus, when the platform is open and locked in operating position, the ridge 5'! fills the opening between the central and leaf portions of the platform and is flush with the platforms top surface. The top of the housing 1 is closed by a cover 60 secured tothe housing 1 by hinges 6.1. The cover 60 has .a blind :slot 62paralle1ing ,its .front-redge to receive the ridge 57. Thus, when the cover 1 6 0-;is clo se.d, thefridge 57 is entirely concealed.

Modifications form. Insteadof extending the ridge =57 entirely thfough the platform .20, the lower-face of vthe frontieaf 23a is provided with a blind ,slot.65 extending partially through, the leaf and of a width .to ,snugly receive ridge 57. Theslot 65 .is concealed fromabove by a lap 66 on the frontleaf. Theslot 65 is so designedthatthe platform, when open, grips the inner and outervface ,of the'front wall. To eliminate interference betweenthe platform portions, as the front leaf 23a is pivoted,;-:the center portion 21 is radiused. at .67. This ytadiusing is made assmallas practical .to-n aintain the top :surface of the platform as smooth as possible.

Tomaintain theradius 167 as small .aspossible,v it is preferable to employ .a somewhat different hinge construction. The hinges 70 (Fig. .10) eachhavea pair of bars terminating inupturned arms .71. j'I l'leSe a1mS overlap and arejoinedby a pivotpin 72. The-upper ends of the arms 71 are flush with the topof the platform 20 and the pivot-pin 72 is locatedadjacent the Thus, as the. leaf .23a is pivoted portion 21 to effect proper operation clearance.

Figs. l3, l4 and 15 illustrate an v arrangement by which theplatform andits necessary operating s tructuresmay be fabricated as a. self contained unit ready for installationin. a piece ,offurniture. In this casethe platform is mounted in a skeleton framework. ,80. having a base 81.,and four cornerposts ,82. The topsof-the posts 82along the back and front are connected ,by

bars 83 .and 83a respectively. The: front bar-33a has a ridge 84 identical to. the ridge-57v (Fig. 1) and. design ed for the same purpose. The rearbar 83 hasa pair of holes 85 to receivethe ends of;the rods 36 and.sub-

stituting for thepockcts ,37 (Fig. v 8). Thebase 81,is equipped with ,discs 58 for seating the ends of the springs 55.

.The framework is of such. size that it may be installed within the storage vcharnherof thehousing 1: (Fig. 14). When installed the tops of the posts 82 and the rear bar 83 are flnsh with the topof the housing. "Theridge 84'proiectsabove the housing the thickness of the platform. The framework 80 is secured to the housingll by any suitable means such as screws 86 mounted in the holes 87. i

The platform 20a is mounted in the framework 80. It is identical to the platform;20 except? for therelocation of the stop shoes 76 which are placed at-thexfront and rear instead of at the sides. The shoes 76 then engage-theloviand 83a. -Ihmplatform is 5 with the constructionillustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. For this purpose keeper plates 51 are mounted on the inside of each of the bars 83 and 83a.

Inraised and open position the platform is seated about the ridge 84 with its lower surface flush with the top of the housing 1. It is supported by the front bar 83a and by engagement of the rods 36 in the holes 85 of the bar 83.

The construction illustrated in Figs. 13, 14 and 15 makes it possible to fabricate the platform and its associated operating structure as an integrated unit of various standardized sizes. These units may then be incorporated in a piece of furniture, a kitchen cabinet or a cupboard by constructing them with a storage chamber of the correct dimensions. The operation of the platform is identical to that of the platforms illustrated in Figs.

1 through 4.

Operation To initiate the description of the operation of this invention, it is assumed that the platform is in storage, as illustrated in Fig. 1. In this position, the entire platform is telescoped into the storage chamber 6 and is positively held in stored position by the engagement of the latches 50 under the keeper plates 51. The spring 55 biases the platform upwardly and, thus, maintains full, positive engagement of these members. In this position, the legs 24 are spaced a short distance above the bottom 5 of the storage chamber 6.

To raise the platform, the operator grasps the handles 53 and depresses the platform sufliciently to disengage the latches 50 from the keeper plates 51. The front leaf 23 is then pivoted inwardly sufliciently to clear the keeper plate 51 and the whole platform is shifted forwardly sufficiently to similarly release the latch 50 on the back panel 22. The plaftorm is then allowed to rise. The strength of the spring 55 preferably is such that it raises the platform, even when loaded with an instrument such as-a typewriter, the operator merely providing slight assistance during the last portion of the platforms upward travel. The operators primary function is to guide the platform as it rises.

The platform is raised until it is slightly above the top of the ridge 57 of the front panel 3 of the housing. The front leaf 23 is then pivoted down until it is almost aligned .with the main portion 21 of the platform. The platform is then lowered until it seats over the ridge 57 with the top of the ridge 57 flush with the top of the platform. As this is done, the front leaf 23 is moved downwardly un- -til it is aligned with the main portion 21. In so doing,

the ridge 27 becomes tightly clamped between the main portion 21 and the front leaf 23, thus locking the platform firmly to the housing.

The downward pivoting of the leaf 23 causes the free ends 34 of the hinges 30 (Fig. 4) to pivot rearwardly and -upwardly. This releases the rods 36 and under the bias of the springs 49 they move rearwardly. As the platform is adjusted in its final position, these rods enter the pockets 37 in the back 4 of the housing, thus supporting the platform.

The platform, in its raised position, is positively and firmly held since it is locked at the rear by the engagement :of the rods 36 with the pockets 37 against both vertical and lateralmovement. The front end of the platform is also positively locked since it is seated over and clamped to the ridge 57 on the housing. Further, the ridge 57 is of such length that it is snugly received between the hinges 30. This cooperates with the clamping action to prevent any lateral movement of the platform when open. The hinges 30 are provided with positive stops 48 which prevent the front leaf 30 from pivoting downwardly beyond a position of alignment with the main portion 21. Further, the tight clamping action between the front leaf .23 and the ridge 57 also helps to stabilize the front :leaf 23.

outward relocation of the pivot 72, the leaf 23a has a To return the platform to storage, the front leaf is raised slightly and the whole platform lifted just enough to permit the front leaf to be pivoted upwardly to a position normal to the main portion 21 of the platform. The free ends 34 of the hinges 30 automatically engage the ends of the rods 36 and retract the rods, releasing the rear of the platform. The platform is then lowered by pushing it downwardly against the spring 55 until it stops against the bottom 5 of the housing. It is then shifted rearwardly sufliciently to effect engagement between the rear latch 50 and its keeper plate and the front leaf 23 is pivoted forwardly sufficiently to accomplish the same effect on the front end. The platform is then allowed to rise until these latches are locked. The spacing between the top of the platform 20 and the top of the housing, when the platform is in storage, is such that conventional oflice equipment such as a typewriter seated on the platform is contained entirely within the storage chamber 6 and the cover 60 may be closed. This entirely conceals both the platform and the instrument.

The clamping of the platform 23 about the ridge 57 will, in time, cause some damage to the finish on the faces of the ridge 57. However, this is immaterial since the marred portion is invisible both when the platform is open and when the platform is in storage. In the latter case, the ridge 57 is concealed within the slot 62.

In the modified construction illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, the operation is the same as described above except that the top of the reduced ridge 57 is entirely concealed by the platform when open. Because of the upward and somewhat tighter clamping effect against the ridge if the major portion of the weight is applied to the end portion or leaf 23. It will be recognized that this type of construction may be used with the framework if the weight of the ridge 84 is reduced.

may be pulled forward so that it is readily accessible to the operator with the leaf permitting it to be pulled forward sufficiently that the operator may work conveniently and with adequate leg room even though the unit of furniture does not normally provide this facility, such as would be the case with the night stand illustrated in Fig. 7. Further, the leaf 23 is so firmly supported by this construction that the operation of the typewriter or other instrument will not cause annoying vibration.

This invention provides an inexpensive construction for a stand for instruments such as a typewriter. Further, it simultaneously provides both storage and an operating stand for the instrument, eliminating the necessity of lifting the instrument in order to remove it from storage or to return it to storage.

The simplicity of the various components used in this invention adapts it to inexpensive manufacture. Despite this, the invention simultaneously provides both complete storage and positive support for the typewriter when in operation. It provides a complete and satisfactory solution to the storage and use of typewriters and similar office equipment in the home. It also provides a unit which. may be adapted to incorporation in various types of furniture either especially designed as an equipment stand or camouflaged as furniture normally designed for an entirely different purpose.

Because the platform, in operating position, is positively supported at its rear and is locked to the supporting structure at the front, it is particularly stable, free from sway and resistant to vibration. The platform is stabilized by the entire structure and base of the unit of furniture into which it is incorporated. Thus, it may be substantially light construction without sacrifice of stability. This facilitates its manipulation and materially reduces its cost.

While I have described a preferred embodiment of my invention together-withseveral modifications, it will be recognized that other modifications may be made. Such of these modifications as incorporatethe principles of this invention are to be considered as included in the hereinafter appended claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

I claim:

1. A combination work and storage unit comprising: a frame having a base and end standards; a platform seated in said frame for vertical movement therein; means at one end of said platform for clamping .said platform to one of said standards of said frame; rods slidably mounted to and beneath said platform and resilient means biasing said rods oppositely from said clamping means; each of said rods having a free end adapted to enterthe other of said standards of said frame; elements on said clamping means and engaging said rods for retracting said rods from said other standard when said clamping means is disengaged from said one standard.

2. A combination work and storage unit, comprising: a frame having a base and end standards; a platform having a main portion and a leaf mounted thereto for pivotal movement from a position aligned with said main portion to one above and substantially normal thereto; with said leaf in said latter position; said platform being telescopically receivable into said frame; rods slidably mounted to and beneath said platform and resilient means biasing said rods away from said leaf; each of said rods having a free end adapted to enter one of said standards remote from said leaf; means on said leaf engaging said rods and adapted to retract said rods from said one standard when said leaf is pivoted upwardly; said platform having an opening in the lower face thereof for receiving the other standard of saidframe.

3. A combination work and storage unit comprising: a housing having a storage chamber openat its upper end; a platform seated in said chamber for vertical movement therein; means at one end of said platform for clamping said platform to one of the walls of said housing; rods slidably mounted to and beneath said platform and resilient means biasing said rods oppositely fromsaid clamping means; each of said rods having a free end adapted to enter a second wall of said housing; elements on said clamping means and engaging said rods for retracting. said rods from said second wall when said clamping means is disengaged from said first wall.

4. A combination work and storage unit comprising: a .housing having a storage chamber open at its upper end; a platform having a main portion and a leaf mounted there to for pivotal movement from a position aligned with said main portion to one above and substantially normal thereto; rods slidably mounted to and beneath said platform and resilient means biasing saidrods away from said leaf; each of said rods having a free end adapted to enter a first wall of said housing remote from said leaf; means on said leaf engaging said rods and adapted to retract said rods from said wall when said leaf is pivoted upwardly; said platform having an opening in the lower face thereof for receiving a secondwall of said housing.

5. A combination work and storage unit comprising: a housing having a storage chamber open at its upper end; a platform having a main portion and a leaf mounted thereto for pivotal movement from a position aligned withsaid main portion to one above and substantially normal thereto; rods slidably mounted to and beneath said platform and resilient means biasing said rods away I from said leaf; each of said rods having a free end adapted to enter a first Wall of said housing remote from said leaf; means on said leaf engaging said rods and adapted to retract said rods from said wall when said leaf is pivoted upwardly; said platform at the joint between said main and leaf portions thereof having an opening in its lower face for receiving a second wall of said housing;

said main and leaf portions clamping said second wall .th'erebet'ween when said portions 'are aligned.

6. A combination Work and storage unit comprising: a

housinghaving a storage chamber openat itsupper end; a

platform having a main portion and a leaf; hinges fpivotally securing said leaf to said main portion; said leaf in .raised position being aligned with said main .portioi1land in storage position being substantially normal.'thereto and extending upwardly therefrom; said platform instorage position being telescopically received into said storage chamber; said platform having an opening between .said main portion and said leaf for receiving one wall of said housing; a rod slidably mounted to and beneath said main portion and projecting beyond said platform oppositely from said leaf; means on said leaf engaging said rod for retracting said rod when said leaf is pivoted upwardly; resilient means biasing said rod away from. said leaf; one wall of said housing having an opening therein for receiving an end of said rodwhen said platform is in :raised position.

7. A combination work and storage unit comprising: a housing having a storage chamber open at its upper end;

a platform having a main portion and a leaf; hinges pivotally securing said leaf to said main portion; said leaf in raised position being aligned with said main portion and in storage position being substantially normal thereto and extending upwardly therefrom; said platform in storage position being telescopically received into said storage chamber; said platform having an opening between adjacent each side of said main portion; projecting means on each of said hinges engaging said rods when said leaf is pivoted upwardly for retracting said rods; resilient means biasing each of said rods away from said leaf;

one wall of said housing having openings therein for'receiving the ends of said rods when said platform isin raised position.

8. A combination Work and storage unit comprising: a housing having a storage chamber open at its upper end; a platform having a'main portion and a leaf; hinges pivotally securing said leaf to the front of said main portion; said leaf in raised position being alignedwith said main portion and in storage position being substantially normal thereto and extending upwardly therefrom; said platform in storage position being telescopically received into said storage chamber; said platform having an opening between said main portion and said leaf for receiving the front Wall of said housing; a pair of rods slidably mounted to and beneath said main portion and projecting rearwardly beyond said platform, each of said rods being parallel to and adjacent a side of said platform; the portion of each of said hinges secured to said leaf having a free end projecting toward said main portion beyond the pivot point of said hinges for engaging said rods when said leaf is pivoted upwardly for retracting said rods; resilient means biasing each of said rods rearwardly; the rear wall of said housing having openings therein for receiving the ends of said rods when said platform is in raised position. i l

9. A combination work and storage unit comprising: a housing having a storage chamber open at its upper end; a platform having a main portion and a leaf; hinges pivotally securing said leaf to said main portiomsaid leaf in raised position being aligned with said main portion and in storage position being substantially normal thereto and extending upwardly therefrom; said platform in storage position being telescopically received into said storage chamber; said platform having an opening between said main portion and said lea f for receiving one wall of saidhousing; a rod slidably mounted to and beneath said main portion and projecting beyond said platform oppositely from said leaf; said hingei'means having a free end extending away from said leaf; an arm on the end of said rod engaging said free end of said hinge means; said free end being adapted to retract said rod when said leaf is pivoted upwardly; resilient means biasing said rod away from said leaf; one wall of said housing having an opening therein for receiving an end of said rod when said platform is in raised position.

10. A combination work and storage unit comprising: a housing having a storage chamber open at its upper end; a platform having a main portion and a leaf; hinges pivotally securing said leaf to the front of said main portion; said leaf in raised position being aligned with said main portion and in storage position being substantially normal thereto and extendng upwardly therefrom; said platform in storage position being telescopically received into said storage chamber; a pair of rods slidably mounted to and beneath said main portion and projecting rearwardly beyond said platform; means on said leaf engaging said rods for retracting said rods when said leaf is pivoted upwardly; resilient means biasing each of said rods rearwardly; the rear wall of said housing having openings therein for receiving the ends of said rods when said platform is in raised position; means for locking said platform to the front wall of said housing.

11. A combination work and storage unit comprising: a housing having a storage chamber open at its upper end; a platform having a main portion and a leaf; hinges pivotally securing said leaf to the front of said main portion; said leaf in raised position being aligned with said main portion and in storage position being substantially normal thereto and extending upwardly therefrom; said platform in storage position being telescopically re ceived into said storage chamber; said platform having an opening between said main portion and said leaf for receiving the front wall of said housing; said front wall being clamped between said main portion and said leaf when said platform is in raised position; a pair of rods slidably mounted to and beneath said main portion and projecting rearwardly beyond said platform; means on said leaf engaging said rods for retracting said rods when said leaf is pivoted upwardly; resilient means biasing each of said rods rearwardly; the rear wall of said housing having openings therein for receiving the ends of said rods when said platform is in raised position.

12. In a piece of furniture having walls defining a storage chamber open at the top; a platform seated in said chamber for vertical movement therein; means at one end of said platform for clamping said platform to one of said walls; rods slidably mounted to and beneath said platform and resilient means biasing said rods oppositely from said clamping means; each of said rods having a free end adapted to enter a second of said walls; elements on said clamping means and engaging said rods for retracting said rods from said second wall when said clamping means is disengaged from said first wall.

13. A combination work and storage unit comprising: a housing having a storage chamber open at its upper end; a framework having a base and end standards seated within said storage chamber; a platform seated in said framework for vertical movement therein; one of said standards being substantially flush with the top of said housing and the other thereof projecting above said housing; means at one end of said platform for clamping said platform to one of said standards of said framework; rods slidably mounted to and beneath said platform and resilient means biasing said rods oppositely from said clamping means; each of said rods having a free end adapted to enterthe other of said standards of said framework; elements on said clamping means and engaging said rods for retracting said rods from said other standard when said clamping means is disengaged from said one standard.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 249,590 Coles Nov. 15, 1881 328,475 Ford Oct. 20, 1885 1,376,997 Borglum May 3, 1921 2,125,777 Estrates et a1. Aug. 2, 1938 FOREIGN PATENTS 12,957/28 Australia Feb. 14, 1928 

